CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF) plus Ipamorelin is the daily-dosing version of the most popular growth hormone secretagogue stack. Unlike the DAC version, CJC-1295 without DAC has a short half-life of approximately 30 minutes, which means it produces a sharp GH pulse rather than sustained elevation. Paired with ipamorelin, the combination creates a brief but potent growth hormone release that more closely mimics the body's natural pulsatile GH secretion pattern. This version is often preferred by practitioners who want to avoid the sustained GH elevation of the DAC variant. Here is what the research shows.
Science Simplified
Best Researched For
Pulsatile GH release (individual components)
Evidence Stage
Individual human data only — no combination studies
Approval Status
Not approved — CJC-1295 (no DAC) under PCAC review
0
Indexed Studies
Preclinical
Evidence Level
None
Human Trial Data
Research
Approval Status
PSI Overview
The no-DAC version of CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is increasingly preferred over the DAC version in functional medicine, primarily because it produces pulsatile GH release that better mimics natural physiology. The DAC version creates sustained GH elevation for days, which some practitioners believe may cause GH receptor desensitization. The no-DAC version delivers a sharp 30-minute pulse — more like what your body does naturally during deep sleep. PSI rates this combination L2, same as the DAC version, because the same fundamental problem applies: no published study has ever tested CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin together. The pharmacological rationale is sound, and the pulsatile pattern is theoretically preferable, but the evidence gap remains.
Research Analytics
No published research exists on this specific two-compound combination. See individual compound pages for component-level research data.
Mechanism of Action
In everyday terms: CJC-1295 without DAC tells your pituitary gland to produce growth hormone through the GHRH receptor, but only for about 30 minutes per dose. Ipamorelin amplifies that signal through a different receptor (the ghrelin receptor), making the GH pulse stronger. Together, they create a brief, intense GH surge that mimics what your body does naturally during deep sleep — then it turns off, just like normal physiology.
Technical summary: CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog with substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 to resist DPP-IV degradation. Without the Drug Affinity Complex, it has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR/ghrelin receptor) without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin. The combination provides dual-receptor stimulation: GHRH-R (CJC-1295) plus GHSR (ipamorelin).
What the Research Shows
Pulsatile GH Optimization
Body Composition
Sleep Enhancement
Recovery and Repair
PSI Verdict
Supported by evidence
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) stimulates GH release through the GHRH receptor with a short half-life (~30 minutes). Ipamorelin selectively activates the GHSR without cortisol or prolactin effects. The combination produces pulsatile GH release that more closely mimics natural secretion patterns. Both components individually elevate GH in published data.
Not yet established
Whether pulsatile GH release from this combination is clinically superior to sustained elevation from the DAC version. Whether the combination produces greater GH response than either component alone. Whether evening dosing actually enhances natural sleep-related GH secretion. The optimal dose ratio and timing between the two components. Same fundamental gap as the DAC version: zero published combination studies.
Confidence level
Low-to-moderate. The pulsatile physiology argument is theoretically stronger than sustained elevation, but both versions share the same evidence gap — no combination data. L2 reflects individual component evidence without combination validation.
Molecular Profile
Research Evidence
Safety Profile
What You Should Know
No safety data exists for the CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin combination. A potential advantage of the no-DAC version is that the short half-life may reduce the risk of sustained supraphysiological GH levels. CJC-1295 without DAC is under PCAC review (removed from Category 2 in September 2024). Ipamorelin is expected to return to Category 1. This version has a more favorable regulatory outlook than the DAC variant.
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
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This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects published research as indexed by PSI and should not be used to make treatment decisions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment.